[degarfs]

Is it worth getting a DTC on the x3?

[Lotus7]

In "X3 talk" DTC = Dynamic Traction Control. It refers to partially disengaging the stability control to allow some amount of wheel slippage when starting on sand or snow. If it's not activated, and traction is very limited, the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) software will apply the brakes and close the engine throttle, and you'll not be able to move at all. On loose surfaces. some wheel spin is necessary. All X3's come with DTC. It's activated by pressing the "DSC OFF" button.

"DTC" is just an alteration of the DSC programming.

[Burrnerd]

Dynamic Stability Control - the BMW/ Bosch name for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - is required now by regulation as standard equipment on all light duty vehicles built for sale in the US, Canada and Australia among many other sensible countries. ESC usually gets you the traction control as well, so it would be hard to find a new car without it now.

[JOHNBMWM5]

YES It Is, I use the Normal for town driving and sport setting for open roads, love it.

[degarfs]

For Aus, DSC is standard. DTC is an option so was wondering

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by degarfs

For Aus, DSC is standard. DTC is an option so was wondering

Are you sure that DTC is the option and not DDC (which is an entirely different system)?

If the Australian version of DSC is like most the rest of the world, and it has the OFF button, then just switching it off might be enough to allow some forward movement in very slippery or sand conditions. In the US and other countries where DTC is standard, it's effectively an intermediate level of slip control that allows enough wheel-spin to get the vehicle moving, without completely removing all stability control intervention. A short press of the DSC button invokes DTC, and pressing the DSC button for 10 seconds completely removes stability control intervention.

If the vehicle has DDC (Dynamic Driving Control), selecting the "Sport+" mode switches DSC to DTC among other things, just the same as a short press of the DSC button. Sport+ does not totally remove DSC. If the TPM is triggered the vehicle reverts back to "Normal" mode or if the vehicle has DDC and there is a damper problem, the vehicle switches back to full DSC mode.

[Nahoa]

Adding just a bit to the above, I found it slightly confusing. As said, DTC is a version of the DSC program. When you activate DTC, you get a display that shows the "slippery" symbol and the word "OFF" indicating that DSC is off. It's "full" DSC is off, but you've actually activated the DTC version or program of the DSC system. For me, I would have understood it all much more readily if the button and display simply indicated "DTC ON" when you're in DTC mode.

[sfax]

Aussie options are pretty similar to UK options so I assume the OP means VDC (Variable Damper Control)???

[Lotus7]

Why, oh why does BMW insist in using different names for the same options in different English Speaking countries?

Maybe it's time we put together a cross-continent glossary of BMW initialisms:

Please feel free to amend this "English" list with the terminology used in your country.

For non-English speaking countries please make a list using your native language. I'd LOVE to know how to say "Variable Damper Control" in Finnish, Malaysian, or Icelandic.

To start off:

Glossary: US Packages and Options nomenclature

ABS = Antilock Brake System
ACM = Automatic Curb Monitor
AH = Automatic Hold
AWD = All Wheel Drive
A/V = Audio/Visual (entertainment system)
BFD = Brake Force Display
CA = Comfort Access
CBS = Condition Based Service
CLS = Central Locking System
DDC = Dynamic Damper Control or Dynamic Drive Control(same as VDC in many countries)
DHP = Dynamic Handling Package (includes PC, DDC, & VSS)
DRL = Daytime Running Lights
DSC = Dynamic Stability Control
DTC = Dynamic Traction Control
ED = Efficient Dynamics
EB = Electronic Brake (not "emergency brake")
ESP = Electronic Stability Program (see DSC)
GPS = Global Positioning System (NAV)
HBA = High Beam Assistant
HDC = Hill Descent Control
HDR = HD Radio (Trade name, does not mean "high definition")
HID = High-Intensity Discharge
IW = Ice Warning
KRC = Key, Remote Control
KM = Key Memory (see Personal Profiles)
LATCH = Child restraint fixing system
LED = Light Emitting Diodes
NAV = Navigation System
OBD = OnBoard Diagnostics
OM = Onboard Monitor (also called Control Display)
PDC = Park Distance Control
PCV = Parked Car Ventilation
PC = Performance Control
PPS = Pinch Protection System (power windows auto stop)
PMB = Programmable Memory Buttons (iDrive)
RDS = Radio Data System (encoded digital data in FM broadcasts)
RPM = Revolutions Per Minute (engine speed)
RSC = Runflat System Component (tires)
S/S = Start-Stop button
TAS = Theft Alarm System
TSA = Terminal, Starting Aid (jumper post)
TPM = Tire Pressure Monitor
USB = Universal Serial Bus (A/V System access port interface)
VDC = Variable Damper Control (same as DDC in US)
VSS = Variable Sport Steering
VA = Voice Activation
x-Drive = BMW variable distribution all-wheel drive system

Cheers!

[sfax]

Great list. I've also seen

DDC = Dynamic Drive Control <> Dynamic Damper Control

[Le Chef]

Simply because some of those acronyms can look like abbreviations for inapropriate words in another language. There's a reason why Toyota's MR2 was just called MR in France, or why Rolls Royce's Silver Mist went through a late name change after testing its meaning in Germany. Just because it works in English doesn't mean it's right for the rest of the world.

[sfax]

Of course none of these are acronyms in English * as acronyms must also spell a word. They're all just initialisms except LATCH

* British English

[Le Chef]

And when you spell out the initials "MR2" in French what do you get?

[perto]

Originally Posted by Le Chef

And when you spell out the initials "MR2" in French what do you get?

Try merde (shitt)

[sfax]

Not sure of the relevance. Lotus said English speaking countries and I doubt VDC and DDC are considered offensive in any English speaking countries

As an aside MR2 would be a rather apt model name on a Citroen

[Lotus7]

Originally Posted by sfax

Of course none of these are acronyms in English * as acronyms must also spell a word. They're all just initialisms except LATCH

* British English

Thanks! Noted and corrected.